Give Life Meaning...

The Perfect Tree

Steve wouldn't admit it out loud but he was very interested in Tony's Christmas activities. They had hung up stockings, homemade, and each had a handprint of each child and their age. For Alina, it was another art project and she thoroughly enjoyed it, and James soon followed suit. Pepper had swung by and brought Alina a pretty little red Christmas dress with a bow to match, and his strong little princess practically melted with joy at the feel of the soft fabric. James got his own mini Santa suit but was a little less enthused than his sister. The more activity picked up in the tower the more he was going back to being withdrawn. It was disheartening but the child psychologist they were now in contact with said it was natural. He was still adjusting to life outside of Hydra with each new experience. Alina was just thriving in her own way, but they needed to be prepared for the day she regresses. 

So far that hadn't happened. They were now on the way to a tree farm, according to Tony, to find the perfect tree or two. He sat in the back with the two kids secure in their car seats, Natasha on the other side making faces at James. Tony sat in front of them by the window so that he could speak to Happy if he needed to. They had been in a whispered conversation off and on. Alina was beginning to look impatient at being strapped into the car seat, but Tony had assured them they were almost there. The children had no concept of time but neither of them was all that comfortable with throwing fits or being openly defiant. "We'll be there soon Princess," Steve cooed softly, reaching and gripping her hand gently. Giving a gentle squeeze to let the little girl know that he was aware she was uncomfortable. 

"We're here!" Tony practically sang, waiting for Happy to park and sliding out of the limo. Waiting for the other two to unbuckle the toddlers and bring them out. His grin only widened when the two gasped in delight. Steve had to admit the snow made it a pretty scene. The snow stretched across acres of different types of Christmas trees. "You can pick /any/ tree." 

"I don't think they quite understand Tony," Natasha stepped in, she was holding James on her hip knowing he still wasn't all that fond of the snow but his eyes were awestruck with the trees that spread as far as the eyes could see. 

"Oh, they will," he said, moving forward with confidence while the little family of four moved slowly after them. The barn building was filled with more Christmas magic. There was a hanging train track above their heads, a train going around in circles. There was a giant tree in the middle of the room completely decorated with little baubles, garland, and shining pieces of thin garland. "I found this place a few Christmas' ago. You know I've been trying to invest in local companies, this is one." 

Natasha glanced over around the walls, there was a wood stove surrounded by rocking chairs for people who had trudged through the snow could thaw out. Hot cider, popcorn, and hot chocolate were being served at a small counter, and it felt like... A home. It was safe and warm, and the decorations were meant to bring up fuzzy warm memories. She didn't have any warm memories, but she did understand the sentiment. "This great Tony," the kids' eyes were glittering with awe and growing joy. They didn't hide so much behind caution, which was nice to see. 

"Of course, I'm a genius," Tony replied with his signature grin, turning to the two adults before focusing solely on the two kids. "Are you two ready to have the best day ever?" Alina nodded with unresolved enthusiasm. James clapped and squirmed until he was put down by Natasha. "Hey Mommy, Daddy, you two take a walk. Look at everything. I've got the kids." With that they were kicked out of the group of three, the twins completely enamored with Tony and his dramatic ways. 

"Now what?" Natasha asked feeling a slight hint of annoyance and betrayal at seemingly being so easily replaced. When she looked back Tony had disappeared further into the barn, hidden by bright glittering lights, and tall nutcrackers. 

"How about that walk?" Steve offered his arm, chuckling when she gave an eye-roll but took his arm anyways. He led them out of the barn shop and began to go through the trees, inhaling the deep pine smell. "Ma and I had a few trees but she didn't like the mess they made so we didn't usually have one. Not that we had that much money to celebrate with. I was just happy when she could be home." 

"You must really miss her," Natasha gave his arm an extra squeeze for extra measure. Family was important, he had lost his so young and continued to lose even if they both had gained something. 

"I do, and my mom would have loved you. She would have loved you and spoiled the kids," she probably would have given him an earful for going off and letting the Government experiment on him. "She would have hated that I let the Government change me so much but I think she'd be happy that I'm not... That I don't get sick so easily anymore."